"I Feel So Confused": A Longitudinal Study of Young Adolescents' Change in Self-Esteem

Booth, Margaret Zoller; Curran, Erin

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This paper investigates the growth of early adolescent self-esteem and self-concept as students progress through the middle level years (sixth through eighth grade). Based on mixed method longitudinal research conducted from 2004 to 2007, the study's findings suggest that this sample of 104 urban students' self-esteem changed most significantly during the sixth grade with less variability from the end of sixth grade to the end of eighth grade. While sixth grade appears to be the most dynamic regarding change in self-esteem and self-concept, students demonstrated more complexity in their analysis of their friendships at the end of eighth grade and also revealed a greater degree of differentiated selves in self-appraisals of parents and teachers. Gender differences were also found in change in self-esteem during the middle grades and in the content of self-image. Results reveal implications for middle-level school climate. (Contains 5 tables and 2 figures.)